Norris made surprising choice: 'Your talent is not enough'

Lando Norris has now developed into one of the better drivers on the Formula 1 grid, but chances are McLaren will not be competing for wins next season either. Jenson Button is therefore surprised that the Briton will remain loyal to his team.

The 23-year-old Norris is entering his sixth season at McLaren, with whom he signed a long-term commitment in 2021 until the end of 2025. Button doubts whether Norris was wise to do so at the time, telling Sky Sports. Indeed, according to the former Formula One driver, the talented driver needs to think of himself.

"I was surprised when he signed a long-term deal," Button states in the interview. "Because in this sport, you don’t know who’s at the front and you need to be in a winning car. Your talent is not enough to bring a car to the front."

"I was surprised when he signed a long-term deal"

Jenson Button believes Lando Norris needs to be in a winning car at this stage of his career, but he still has time on his side pic.twitter.com/06whmFN8xq

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) February 17, 2023

Norris' confidence in McLaren

Norris is confident that McLaren will make major improvements in the coming years, allowing him to compete for the world title before the end of his contract. However, Button knows better than anyone that this plan offers little certainty for Norris.

"You know, you can help them develop, but you need to be in a competitive car that can win races and McLaren haven’t given them that. They’re doing well, but at this point in his career, he needs to be in a winning car."